Often we don’t start learning about affirmations until we are an adult. By this point, we usually have built up a lot of negative beliefs about ourselves and struggle with negative self talk. It would make sense and be more impactful to learn these good habits as younger people.

Learning this skill as a child may take less practice making it a useful tool in managing childhood mental health problems.

What is an affirmation?
An affirmation is a specific phrase or statement that you say towards yourself to encourage positive self talk, improve motivation or uplift self-esteem. The purpose is to affirm one’s self and incorporate that affirmation into your belief system.

When an affirmation is repeated enough and enters your belief system, that affirmation will be brought to memory when a belief is challenged.

An example for a child might be “I am wonderful the way I am.” When that belief is challenged by a classmate or sibling who tells them they are “weird” etc, the affirmation will eventually be remembered and the child will think, “I am not weird. I am wonderful the way I am.”

Where are affirmations practiced?
Anywhere! It is encouraged to repeat them multiple times in a row. This can be done in bed before going to sleep, in front of a mirror while getting ready for the day etc. Wherever and whenever it can fit into your life and schedule.

When so many children experience bullying, it is important for us to teach children to take control of their belief system at a young age. Self confidence is their best defence against negative comments.

Here are some positive affirmation cards we created for you to use with your children. We hope you find them helpful.

**Please note, this does not replace seeking the help of a trained mental health professional.